12 July 1776

Cary, Richard, Jr., fl. 1776

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relays an order from George Washington to have two or three cannons mounted on carriages and prepared to be moved. Washington would also like to see Knox at Headquarters. Cary was an aide to Washington.

GLC02437.00371

July 15, 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Responds to a letter from Lucy in which she remonstrated Henry over their recent separation in which she left New York and went to Connecticut. Henry is "both grieved an angry" because Lucy blames Henry for her inconveniences even though it is in her "power instantly to remedy them." Moreover, if she does not like it there, it is within her power to go elsewhere. Warns her against anyone contradicting his advice. Urges her to use her "own good sense and see that there can be no essential difference as you have a carriage and Horses, between coming [to New York] from New Haven or…

GLC02437.00375

4 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Explains that he wrote her at Fairfield, Connecticut to check on her well being and tell her how much he values her, to tell her that the British had landed at Staten Island but had not attacked New York yet, and that he believes when they do, the Americans will be able to beat them back. He also asked her to send money after taking what she needed and to ask where to send her trunks. Reports that General Nathanael Greene, Jonathan Pollard, and Mrs. [Herey] are all "well an in good spirits," information that Lucy could pass on to spouses and loved ones in Connecticut. Asks if Lucy took the…

GLC02437.00359

4 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Notes that Lucy Knox and others have gone to Fairfield, Connecticut, away from potential fighting in New York. Indicates that he gave Colonel David Mason a draft for fifty dollars to be paid by William (see GLC02437.00358). Asks William to write "fully & frequently." Alluding to the impending battle in New York comments that "You may expect something great before long."

GLC02437.00360

4 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Laments that Lucy had to abruptly leave New York, although it was for her safety. They believed the British would attack but they landed on Staten Island instead, where they were "received with a hearty welcome by its rascally Tory inhabitants." Mentions that the people in New Jersey were assembling their militia (see GLC02437.00357). Favorably assesses their artillery preparations for battle. Asks Lucy to send his trunk back, which has his papers and money in it, and asks where to send her clothes. Pressing business prevents him from writing more. Gives love to their baby.

GLC02437.00361

5 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document signed

Title: The United Colonies to Henry Knox Commander of the Regiment of Artillery Dr

Lists travelling and billeting expenses connected to the men who enlisted in December, 1775. Groups them by captains in Knox's artillery regiment they served under.

GLC02437.00362

8 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Tells Lucy she was right not to return to New York because it is unsafe. Henry would be too worried if she were in danger. Discusses a Mrs. G[reene], who shocked her husband by coming to the city. Remarks that "the peace of this Town & of the safety of the ladies is upon the most precarious tenor imaginable." Explains that the British are close and could strike any time, giving the Continentals only ten minutes to prepare, and Lucy only ten minutes to escape if she were with Henry. It would be even more dangerous because Lucy has a new baby and the road conditions would be unknown.…

GLC02437.00363

July 1776

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Distressed, Lucy discusses the circumstances under which she left New York and argues she was undeserving of Henry's censure. She stayed in New York longer than expected in order to have "a more affectionate parting." When she desired to go to Fairfield, Connecticut, she received a message from Mr. Burr (possibly Aaron Burr), indicating that he could not obtain a house or furniture for her there, as Henry had requested. Is dissatisfied that Henry writes "frequently in your letters to remind me of my incapacity of judging for myself." Also writes that Henry ignored, or never read, her…

GLC02437.00364

24 June 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Robert Treat Paine

A detailed answer to a request for artillery information concerning the weight and bore of howitzers on hand in New York. Reports that they have none, although Colonel Richard Gridley ordered some cast. Also provides other artillery information. Discusses uses for different bore sizes, their range, and gives editorial comment on artillery matters. Explains the possibility of having brass cannons cast. Comments on artillery operations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the recipient of this letter was. Knox's retained working draft.

GLC02437.00365

9 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document signed

Title: [Paper calling for "a well regulated and numerous body of artillery"]

Explains that the war is in its infancy and its success will require "a well regulated and numerous body of artillery." Argues that the present force is insufficient and that the current system of temporarily drafting men into the artillery leaves the Continental Army vulnerable. Outlines a plan for creating new companies.

GLC02437.00366

11 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Thanks William for his recent letter. Discusses Lucy Knox's hasty evacuation from New York when British ships were spotted in the Hudson and the unhappiness it caused both Lucy and himself (also see GLC024327.00364). Lucy is distressed but Henry feels he is "not at liberty to attend her as my country calls." Explains that his apprehension was disguised by scolding Lucy for not leaving sooner. Comments that Mrs. Nathanael Greene and Mrs. Jonathan Pollard went with Lucy, and describes Mrs. Pollard as an unfit companion because of "her Melancholy dumpish disposition." If Lucy is unhappy in…

GLC02437.00367

11 July 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Gives his sister-in-law news of her friends in Halifax. Also gives news of Lucy's mother and father, who were separated from each other at the time. Indicates that Lucy's mother is well, although she is in a smaller house than she desires. Reports that many Tories in Halifax have not gone to England because they are confident that General William Howe will suppress the Continental Army. Reports that some Scotsman have gone to Quebec with their possessions. Discusses smallpox inoculation and local laws passed to prevent further outbreaks. Notes that two British ships have been captured by…

GLC02437.00368

11 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Responds to Lucy's most recent letter (see GLC02437.00364), discussing her hasty departure from New York. Henry is upset by her distress. He reiterates that he did not want her in New York before something decisive occurred in the war. In response to her complaint that Nathanael Greene's wife returned to New York, he explains that General Greene did not want her there for the same reasons and had just sent her to Newark and she will later go to either Fairfield or Providence. Comments that if Mrs. Pollard comes to New York, she will distract her husband Jonathan Pollard, Knox's quarter…

GLC02437.00369

11 July 1776

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Scottish (Highlanders) attempts to "purchase Conquer'd Lands." Describes Scottish prisoners as saucy because they call the country people rebels and say they will later be able to sieze their farms. Explains news that Colonel Archibald Campbell, a British officer from Scotland who was then a prisoner, suspiciously purchased a rifle dress. Jackson holds Campbell in a high esteem. Comments on the ships whose recent capture was decribed in an earlier letter (see GLC02437.00343). Says that one of the ships will be refitted and sailed to England "to see if she cant take some East…

GLC02437.00370

13 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Henry is upset that Lucy is taking others advice over his and reiterates his recommendation for her to go to Fairfield or New Haven immediately. Mentions various people going to New Haven who Lucy could meet up with. Discusses the British attack of New York the previous day. Knox lost six men in an accident, which he casts as a learning experience for the others, who will learn "to moderate their fiery courage." After the attack the British ships sailed north to Tappan Bay, near Tarrytown New York. Knox will send Lucy's clothes to New Haven, where he hopes she will go. He reaffirms his…

GLC02437.00372

14 July 1776 - 17 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Supply list for officers in Henry Knox's artillery regiment]

Also signed by William Eustis, John Howard, Garret Van Wagner, Thomas Hanley, Isaiah Audebert, William Dana, David Briant, William Treadwell, Abiel Leonard, and John Crane. Notes supplies, money, and artillery received by officers from Jonathan Pollard, the quartermaster of Knox's artillery regiment.

GLC02437.00373

14 July 1776 - 15 July 1776

Sprague, Samuel, 1712-1783

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Supply list for officers in Henry Knox's artillery regiment]

Also signed by Remember Preston. Notes supplies received by officers from Jonathan Pollard, the quartermaster of Knox's artillery regiment.

GLC02437.00374

15 July 1776

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wants Knox to write more frequently to keep him updated on activities in New York. Remarks that "at Last the grand Question of Independence is determined and I hope every true American will support it with his Life and Fortune." Comments on smallpox afflicting the Continental troops and the lack of news about the privateer he discussed in his previous letter (GLC02437.00370). Date of 15 July 1776 from docket. Header of letter only dated July 1776.

GLC02437.00376

1861-1865

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Letter

Title: to Elizabeth Smith

He expects to be in the army for quite some time but hopes to come home to visit. He will say no more about the "shop affair" since he can do nothing about it. Undated letter fragment.

GLC04189.09

May 30, 1863

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Charles

Page 1 addressed to Charles. The regiment is under marching orders. Rumor has it that the Rebels have crossed the Rappahannock near Culpeper Court House and intend to invade Maryland. [Page 2: "Well my Old Duck" [Elizabeth] signed "Dave Smith the soldier."] He received four months back pay and expects to receive two more months worth. The letter contains an account of his expenditures. Scrap to Charles: The regiment is on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad near Fairfax Court House.

GLC04189.45

22 November 1781

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Had wanted to write earlier but was afraid a letter might not reach him. Informs Knox that his brother William left for France on the 20th. Before he left, Knox's brother William left Peirce various papers and "empower'd me to transact his affairs in his absence, at the same time wished me to inform you thereof." Promises to forward letters he has since received from William. Discusses the surrender of Cornwallis: "The taking of Lord Cornwallis's Army is an event of prodigious magnitude, such as may produce a peace at a much earlier period than the most sanguine could expect." Discusses…

GLC02437.01295

4 March 1782

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Peirce to Brigadier General Knox. Peirce seems to be sending along information on lands that Knox has an interest in in Massachusetts (including Maine). Says he could not get "ye petition" brought forward this session. Says the Committee for the Sale of Absentee Estates in Cumberland County has told a court that the estate of Mr. F (possibly Henry's father-in-law, Flucker) has been rendered insolvent. Says the estate will be sold quickly. Says there is worry that creditors will have to pay taxes on abandoned land, even though it is not theirs. Says he has tried to get a decision…

GLC02437.01361

31 July 1783

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References several of Knox's letters, the last one from 4 July 1783 which had pamphlets to distribute. Says they have been printed, along with General Washington's letter, and distributed. Says Washington's letter has been in some of the newspapers. Gives reasons why some people are for and against the officers receiving compensation. Some say that officers who joined the war late should not get equal compensation of those who joined the war earlier. Says people who live on the coast are more likely to support compensation while those in the country are generally against it. Says it appears "…

GLC02437.02351

December 1, 1783

Ogden, Samuel, 1746-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wants to know when General George Washington will be in town so he can pay his respects before Washington returns to Virginia. States that the treatment of Loyalists in New York City is much to the honor of the U.S. military and nation as a whole, though since Britain renounced all claims to its American colonies, the Loyalists should now feel bound to the new American government.

GLC02437.02815

12 August 1781

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: [Instructions for Lieutenant Price, Captain Patten, John Ruddock, and Thomas Frothingham]

Shaw, aide for Henry Knox, transmits orders for Knox. All orders are issued 12 August. Orders Lieutenant [William] Price, at the New Windsor laboratory, to deliver tin to Captain Bushnell; orders Captain [Thomas] Patten, at New Windsor, to obtain tin for Bushnell through the "tinman"; orders Ruddock, deputy commissary of military stores at Fishkill, and Thomas Frothingham, deputy commissary of military stores at West Point, to obtain gun locks for Bushnell.

GLC02437.01128